Evidence supporting the use of: Lingzhi
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lingzhi (also known as Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly to promote recovery and vitality during convalescence—the period of recovery after illness or medical treatment. In traditional medical texts, Lingzhi is regarded as a “superior tonic” believed to replenish qi (vital energy), strengthen the body, and improve overall resistance to disease. Historical records, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing, describe it as beneficial for enhancing longevity and restoring robustness after illness.
Modern scientific studies on Lingzhi have largely focused on its potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Some preclinical and limited clinical evidence suggests that polysaccharides and triterpenes in Lingzhi may enhance immune function, reduce fatigue, and improve general well-being, which could theoretically aid in convalescence. However, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating Lingzhi’s effectiveness in convalescence are scant. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional use, and while Lingzhi appears to be generally safe, robust scientific validation for this particular indication is lacking. Thus, its use for supporting convalescence is primarily justified by a strong tradition, with some suggestive but not definitive scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Gnaphalium
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Glutathione
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Shellfish
Other health conditions supported by lingzhi
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Parkinson's Disease
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcers